2007-02-13 00:00:00 : Lebanon > Politics

“Al Akhbar publishes blueprint for projected solution”

Al Akhbar, an independent pro-opposition newspaper, reported in its February 13 issue about the latest developments in the Lebanese political situation. The newspaper wrote: “On the eve of the commemoration of the second anniversary of the assassination Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri, more positive signs were gathered that point to the possibility of a solution. What was notable is that the reports didn’t come only from local sources but also from foreign ones including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and France…knowledgeable sources talked about the possibility that the next few days will carry news that will push towards an imminent solution. These sources revealed to Al Akhbar what it said is the blueprint for the solution which resulted from efforts expended by Tehran and Riyadh in the past two weeks. This solution includes: First, the government of Prime Minister Fu’ad Al-Sanyurah resigns in return for the opposition announcing the end of its sit-in in downtown Beirut and cancelling all of its popular and political protests. A media truce is announced in which all accusations and skirmishes stop.” The newspaper added: “Secondly, a national unity government composed of 30 ministers is composed. The majority team nominates 19 ministers while the opposition nominates the other 11 ministers. The distribution of the positions will be agreed upon with special attention being given to the defence, finance, interior, and justice ministries. Thirdly, a political-legal committee is formed to study the remarks concerning the statute of the international tribunal so that it will be ratified in short order by the new government after which it will be signed by president Lahoud and then sent to the parliament to be ratified. Fourthly, the government issues an agenda which includes a clear attitude towards Lebanon’s right to resist the Israeli occupation and the Israeli threats and which entails postponing the issue of the weapons [of the resistance] to the internal dialogue.” The newspaper continued: “Fifthly, the government issues within two months a new law for parliamentary elections based on the results reached by the committee headed by the ex minister Fu’ad Butros. A date for holding premature elections will be discussed without settling this matter beforehand thus allowing the elections to be held normally. Six, the presidential elections will be held in the constitutionally appointed period with a desire to start a wide circle of consultations to choose a president that satisfies both factions. The same sources announced that the response by both sides to this blueprint was noted as some reservations were registered concerning the international tribunal and the effort to distinguish between ratifying its statute and setting it up after the end of the international investigation and the issuance of the accusations.” The newspaper added: “Other factions in the opposition want registered some reservations because of their desire for an outright attitude towards the issue of the parliamentary elections which they want to hold prematurely. Meanwhile, the head of the Socialist Progressive party Walid Junblatt and the head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea are expressing a sort of “hidden tension and rejection of the solution on the basis that there is no need for an agreement that would give additional aces to the opposition”. The sources around the parliamentary speaker Nabih Birri announced that he is dealing with cautious optimism with the encouraging steps finished so far…” - Al-Akhbar Lebanon, Lebanon

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